Hi, enjoy watching your videos. I don’t do this stuff myself but I like the fact that you do and can be enthusiastic about your passion. Curious tho, when do you choose between tarps, bivvy, and if you’re using a tarp and a bivvy, why not use a small tent? I suppose I’m interested in what kit you take out and what you want to achieve from your outings? 👍
Thanks for a decent review, so many just seem to ramble on without giving the necessary facts....I see you use it with the vents open, presumably it is not very breathable otherwise, eg in rain without a tarp?
They should have some glowtab or something to distinguish which pole goes into where, because that’s really hard to do in the dark without using a light. And I really wish it opened to the left instead, because all my sleeping bags open to the left. Not that it matters anyway, because one of the poles broke and it’s damn near impossible to get a hold of replacement poles outside of the UK... 🙄 Why that is is beyond me.
Hi Kev...it will definitely keep the slugs at bay. There are loads of options for a sleeping bag. It depends on the temperature. I've got snugpak softie elite 3 that does me for 3 seasons. I have layered bags at minus 6 in the Brecon Beacons and was toastie warm. I've got an Alpkit skyhigh 700 but I've not tried it out yet as it's been too warm. It also depends on your budget. You can get a army issue Arctic bag that will keep you warm in all UK conditions They are quite heavy though.
Good review mate. What is the thickest sleeping pad and sleeping bag combo that you think could be used in this bivi.i am not that heavily built.i quite fancy getting one but would like to use it in winter.cheers
good video, im always interested in peoples set-ups using a bivvy/tent combined with a small tarp ( as you mentioned ), coukd you do a quick video on your setup for that ? cheers
Hi Matt. I no longer have this bivi. My latest video shows my newest bivi with tarp setup. Thanks for watching and please remember to hit the like button👍
Hi Paul, I have an or helium, it gets a bit damp inside, I sleep hot and side-sleeper. Reverted to a PhD quilt on a neo mat to try and combat this, no joy. Do you think your bivi would make a difference? By the way I’ve subbed, as I have been catching up just lately and enjoy watch the out takes:-)
Hey Paul Can you make a video of this bivvy with full set up including sleeping bag... footprint...tarp i want to buy one like this i want to see what type of tarp setup could be used with this bivvy nice video thank you for sharing does it by any chance way a little bit less than and ultralight backpacking sleeping bag the other question is it lighter than a tent and ultralight one man backpacking tent
Hey Paul how’s it going buddy ? Can I just ask Paul .. what do you think about the stratosphere ? Iv been contemplating on gettin it as I use the ionosphere atm but want to go even lighter and smaller and big fan of snugpak , cheers buddy , dean.
It's not a bad bivi Dean but they do still weigh a kilo. You can get tents that weigh less and the extra space is appreciated. A bivi is nice in perfect conditions but if it's chucking it down I'd take a tent every time.. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, Paul
@@PaulMessner hi Paul so you replied to the last comment about the bivvy being heavier than a tent but are they good at keeping our the rain and stop sleeping bag getting dri
Hi Paul, just seen you've now gone for Alpkit Elan - I'm trying to decide between that and the Snugpak Stratosphere. Apart from price is there any difference, most importantly in weight? And have you tried using them without poles, just as a straighforward bivi? I've seen one reviewer doing that with the Elan - in which case which has the least noisy, crackly fabric? Cheers!
Hi Beki, I just returned an Alpkit Elan. It looks really nice and has some advantages over the Snugpak, BUT the dimensions are smaller. I found it tight across the shoulders for side sleeping as it is 5cm lower and 2cm narrower than the Snugpak. I'm thinking of getting the Snugpak now. I am only 5ft 9 and 38" chest, so not exactly large.
@@MinackerMovies Thanks for getting back to me! I've actually somehow ended up with a couple of different bivis now but have yet to try any of them out... better weather on it's way so shouldn't be long now. Cheers!
I had this for a while and found it pretty useless. With all the zips closed the air flow is far too restricted... in order to breath I had to open the main zip a good 12 inches, which would be no use in the rain. Now when I want to go really lightweight I use a simple unhooped bivvy like the Alpkit Hunka XL. If I want better shelter then I go with a real tent which is only about 500g heavier than this.
In reality, a tent is always the better shelter to take. My terra nova tent weighs much less than this bivi set up. I still like to mix it up and bivi though. Now I have a couple of Rab bivis that are much more breathable than the snugpak. I've done a few videos of them
Nearly killed myself in this bag on a beach in Spain back in 2008, moral of the story... Always read the label regarding NOT completely zipping the thing up when inside.
It's not bad at all. I did use it with a tarp to block the worst of the weather and vents could be left open to stop the majority of of condensation. The Rab ones made of Event material are better but the price is higher so it's a compromise.
Don't really understand the point of these old-style bivi setups. Something like an MLD Patrol or SoloMid + bugnet gives far more comfort with a similar footprint at under half the weight (or less in Cuben), and will take some serious weather. Unless low profile and stealth are your highest priority, these bivi designs seem redundant these days.
Thanks for watching Philip. In that bivi I use either a Zlite thermarest or the alpkit airo120. They both go inside but they are thin. I have an exped synmat 7 which will not fit well inside as it's too thick. I wouldn't use it underneath on this bivi as the poles may cause punctures if outside the bivi. A closed cell foam matt would work great outside though. I've just ordered a Rab Ascent to upgrade my bivi. this one doesn't have poles though. I'll be selling on the Snugpak. It's a great bivi though
Giovanni Baldi. I upgraded to the Rab bivi as it's lighter weight, more compact but still offers bug protection and a loop to raise the bivi off my face without needing to have a hooped section. it's just a progression. I've tried using a bivi for a while and love it. the Rab is a step up from the Snugpak for me. thanks for the question.
Cheers Kev. Glad you like it. I've just gone to the Hunka XL and I've modded a bit so there's bug and slug projection. Video on that coming soon. ATB Paul
Worst bivi I have ever used iv had 2 of he both leaked neither were waterproof at all water just puddled on my bag tried it with out my bag in in light rain,when I opened it up there was a pool of water in the inside
У нас я такие подобия палатки не видел. Наверно не пользуются спросом. Алиэкспресс торгует похожие недорого. Я любитель маленьких палаток, но моя Ягуар-1 побольше. Наверно она только для лета, чтобы комары не кусали и от дождя укрыться.
Thank you. That was the best Snugpak Stratosphere review vid I have seen; it gave me the best sense of the item.
It’s cool to see how far the channel has come amazing isn’t it, you must be thrilled and should be, thank you for years of content Brother
Hi, enjoy watching your videos. I don’t do this stuff myself but I like the fact that you do and can be enthusiastic about your passion. Curious tho, when do you choose between tarps, bivvy, and if you’re using a tarp and a bivvy, why not use a small tent? I suppose I’m interested in what kit you take out and what you want to achieve from your outings? 👍
Good instructional video, just what I needed
Thanks for a decent review, so many just seem to ramble on without giving the necessary facts....I see you use it with the vents open, presumably it is not very breathable otherwise, eg in rain without a tarp?
Looks good! Is it breathable?
Hi Paul, been catching up on some of your stuff - very enjoyable...subbed!
Thank you for the positive feedback and the the sub. more videos to come
They should have some glowtab or something to distinguish which pole goes into where, because that’s really hard to do in the dark without using a light. And I really wish it opened to the left instead, because all my sleeping bags open to the left. Not that it matters anyway, because one of the poles broke and it’s damn near impossible to get a hold of replacement poles outside of the UK... 🙄 Why that is is beyond me.
Which one would you pick to sleep in a tent or a bivy on a cold night
this looks perfect for me to keep them slugs off, what winter sleeping bag would you suggest for up kinder when snows on peaks
Hi Kev...it will definitely keep the slugs at bay. There are loads of options for a sleeping bag. It depends on the temperature. I've got snugpak softie elite 3 that does me for 3 seasons. I have layered bags at minus 6 in the Brecon Beacons and was toastie warm. I've got an Alpkit skyhigh 700 but I've not tried it out yet as it's been too warm. It also depends on your budget. You can get a army issue Arctic bag that will keep you warm in all UK conditions
They are quite heavy though.
nice video. I have never used one before, should I put a sleeping mat inside and also do you use a sleeping bag ?
Good review mate.
What is the thickest sleeping pad and sleeping bag combo that you think could be used in this bivi.i am not that heavily built.i quite fancy getting one but would like to use it in winter.cheers
I would use something like a thermarest prolite in this bivi
I'll have a 99, a choc ice and a cider lolly please.... and a Snugpak Stratosphere... Oh yes I've got one of those 😁
Bought one of these ,the zip system is cheap and on odd occasions during field testing jammed okay for civvies who camp occasionally
good video, im always interested in peoples set-ups using a bivvy/tent combined with a small tarp ( as you mentioned ), coukd you do a quick video on your setup for that ? cheers
Hi Matt. I no longer have this bivi. My latest video shows my newest bivi with tarp setup. Thanks for watching and please remember to hit the like button👍
Hi Paul, I have an or helium, it gets a bit damp inside, I sleep hot and side-sleeper. Reverted to a PhD quilt on a neo mat to try and combat this, no joy. Do you think your bivi would make a difference? By the way I’ve subbed, as I have been catching up just lately and enjoy watch the out takes:-)
nice video dude ;)
Thank you!
Hi Paul.. Just revisiting this...i really like the look of this.. do you recommend it??.
I am really struggling to sleep in a hammock
I was put off these years ago when a rat ran over me while I was sleeping. Maybe I was just unlucky.
Hi Paul, are you still using this and what is your opinion overall now.
Not got it any more. Try the Alpkit Enan. It cheaper and almost identical
Great vid Paul, looks a good system
Thank you for taking the time to comment...I think it's great system...works perfectly for me. ATB Paul
Hey Paul Can you make a video of this bivvy with full set up including sleeping bag... footprint...tarp i want to buy one like this i want to see what type of tarp setup could be used with this bivvy nice video thank you for sharing does it by any chance way a little bit less than and ultralight backpacking sleeping bag the other question is it lighter than a tent and ultralight one man backpacking tent
excellent review Paul, I think I'll stick with my dutch army hooped bivy, cracking little bivy though ATB Kaizer
Hey Paul how’s it going buddy ? Can I just ask Paul .. what do you think about the stratosphere ? Iv been contemplating on gettin it as I use the ionosphere atm but want to go even lighter and smaller and big fan of snugpak , cheers buddy , dean.
It's not a bad bivi Dean but they do still weigh a kilo. You can get tents that weigh less and the extra space is appreciated. A bivi is nice in perfect conditions but if it's chucking it down I'd take a tent every time.. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, Paul
@@PaulMessner hi Paul so you replied to the last comment about the bivvy being heavier than a tent but are they good at keeping our the rain and stop sleeping bag getting dri
Hi Paul, just seen you've now gone for Alpkit Elan - I'm trying to decide between that and the Snugpak Stratosphere. Apart from price is there any difference, most importantly in weight? And have you tried using them without poles, just as a straighforward bivi? I've seen one reviewer doing that with the Elan - in which case which has the least noisy, crackly fabric? Cheers!
Hi Beki, I just returned an Alpkit Elan. It looks really nice and has some advantages over the Snugpak, BUT the dimensions are smaller. I found it tight across the shoulders for side sleeping as it is 5cm lower and 2cm narrower than the Snugpak. I'm thinking of getting the Snugpak now. I am only 5ft 9 and 38" chest, so not exactly large.
@@MinackerMovies Thanks for getting back to me! I've actually somehow ended up with a couple of different bivis now but have yet to try any of them out... better weather on it's way so shouldn't be long now. Cheers!
I had this for a while and found it pretty useless. With all the zips closed the air flow is far too restricted... in order to breath I had to open the main zip a good 12 inches, which would be no use in the rain. Now when I want to go really lightweight I use a simple unhooped bivvy like the Alpkit Hunka XL. If I want better shelter then I go with a real tent which is only about 500g heavier than this.
In reality, a tent is always the better shelter to take. My terra nova tent weighs much less than this bivi set up. I still like to mix it up and bivi though. Now I have a couple of Rab bivis that are much more breathable than the snugpak. I've done a few videos of them
@@PaulMessner Agreed, though there is a big difference in price for the most lightweight tents.
@@PaulMessner I wish it were possible to buy the Rab Classic Bivi, they seem to have stopped making side entry types.
Good review
Nearly killed myself in this bag on a beach in Spain back in 2008, moral of the story... Always read the label regarding NOT completely zipping the thing up when inside.
hi Paul.how is the condensation with this bivvi?cheers.
Always got wet with condensation even with the vents open.
is a small decent 1 man tent not a better option?
I would think so Like to have some gear from my pack available inside
nice system indeed
is it good for winter ?
It's not bad at all. I did use it with a tarp to block the worst of the weather and vents could be left open to stop the majority of of condensation. The Rab ones made of Event material are better but the price is higher so it's a compromise.
Paul Messner yeah man , even the best tents has condensation, so is just natural to happen , thanks Nd btw nice review.
Don't really understand the point of these old-style bivi setups. Something like an MLD Patrol or SoloMid + bugnet gives far more comfort with a similar footprint at under half the weight (or less in Cuben), and will take some serious weather. Unless low profile and stealth are your highest priority, these bivi designs seem redundant these days.
But is there room for your backpack in there too?
Khamomil no there isn’t .
Do you put your air matt inside or outside the bivvy? And do you use any protection under the bivvy or air matt?
Thanks for watching Philip. In that bivi I use either a Zlite thermarest or the alpkit airo120. They both go inside but they are thin. I have an exped synmat 7 which will not fit well inside as it's too thick. I wouldn't use it underneath on this bivi as the poles may cause punctures if outside the bivi. A closed cell foam matt would work great outside though. I've just ordered a Rab Ascent to upgrade my bivi. this one doesn't have poles though. I'll be selling on the Snugpak. It's a great bivi though
Paul Messner what is the reason behind this improvement? thanks atb
Giovanni Baldi. I upgraded to the Rab bivi as it's lighter weight, more compact but still offers bug protection and a loop to raise the bivi off my face without needing to have a hooped section. it's just a progression. I've tried using a bivi for a while and love it. the Rab is a step up from the Snugpak for me. thanks for the question.
cracking video pal
Thank you Chris. Glad you enjoyed it....more to come.
are you in the park?
Just found this, are you sure it’s a bivi bag? Looks like a body bag !!!
they are very similar. At least when my time comes I'll be prepared for it. haha
Paul 🤪🤪🤪🤪 not anytime soon I hope 👍🏻
Hope not.
Nice review P. First one that comes up when i typed it in. Lol
Now im going to look for one .cheers 👍🏻
Cheers Kev. Glad you like it. I've just gone to the Hunka XL and I've modded a bit so there's bug and slug projection. Video on that coming soon. ATB Paul
Paul Messner just selling my hunka XL on ebay. Lol
39oz and $125 for the Stratosphere... you're better off getting the Six Moon Designs Starscape Trekker. Same price and weight and you can sit up.
Trekker is $225.
Hi Paul would I have trouble getting a Bergen in here too ?
Most Coffens have more room
Worst bivi I have ever used iv had 2 of he both leaked neither were waterproof at all water just puddled on my bag tried it with out my bag in in light rain,when I opened it up there was a pool of water in the inside
Very low bivy, I love at least 65/70 cm height bivy
Pfffffttttttt no thanks couldn't be doing with a fortnight in one of these
£124.52??? It is too expensive
Looking at this bivvy is living proof you can sell some people anything.
overpriced
Бред
У нас я такие подобия палатки не видел. Наверно не пользуются спросом. Алиэкспресс торгует похожие недорого. Я любитель маленьких палаток, но моя Ягуар-1 побольше. Наверно она только для лета, чтобы комары не кусали и от дождя укрыться.